The Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 vs Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 at 40,6 ft versus Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985 at 42,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 tips the scales at 19 709 lbs — 3 174 lbs more than the Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985 at 16 535 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 and 43 hp for the Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 carries 53 gallons versus 42 gallons in the Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 displaces 19 709 lbs — a 3 174-lb difference over the Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985 at 16 535 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985 draws 7,6 ft, compared to 6,1 ft for the Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016. That 1,5-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 uses a 2 wheels versus a 1 wheel on the Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.
Hull speed is rated at 8,1 knots for the Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 and 8,0 knots for the Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985.
Bottom line: The Dufour Yachts 412 Grand Large 2016 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 19 709 lbs displacement and 41 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Dufour Yachts Lacoste 42 1985 at 16 535 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.